My uncle fled Egypt in his early 30s. He went to the US, studied at various universities ultimately earning a PhD in Theology. He moved to Canada and married my aunt-who is a Christian- and became a Christian himself. Of course this all meant he could never go back to see his family, which he never did.

As long as I can remember, my uncle denounced Islam as a religion that compels and enforces loyalty rather than earning it by virtue. He maintained it oppresses and impoverishes its people including relegating women as subservient to men, and spawns violence and anger as a result. It was his opinion that the world would never be at peace while Islam exists.

Can’t say I’ve seen anything in my 58 years that has caused me to disagree with him. I loved him dearly. He was a kind, intelligent and inspiring man. RIP.